My addiction to the Dodgers and baseball. I love Our Lady of Chavez Ravine (OLOCR) Dodger Stadium. If you come to Dodger Stadium, I'd love to show you around.SABR & Baseball Reliquary member

I Do Not Condone Steroid Use

Today walking around Dodger Stadium I noticed some fans wtih t-shirts saying “Free Manny” or “I Support Manny” Someone asked where they got the t-shirts and they said someone outside the stadium was selling them for $5. I was left wondering if those people bought the t-shirts because it was $5 or because they think is OK to cheat with steioids. I don’t condone steroid use, to condone it would be to say “is OK to cheat.” Is it OK for kids to cheat on their exam? No! Is unfair for those that have worked hard to take those exams.

It is unfair for those players that have stayed clean and continue to stay clean even with all the steroids being used around them. It reminded me of what Jeff Kent said during his retirement speech when asked what he thought about this whole steroid issue. He said “The integrity of the game has been jeopardized for so many years, and I’m embarrassed about the steroid era.” He also said “I saw it around me what could I do but work harder to compete.”

If you have read my post you know that I met Manny and found him to be so nice. But just because he was nice to my friends and I does not mean he gets a pass with me. It also bothers me that he has not addressed his teammates. If he needs more time for that, Ok take it but do address your teammates.

I gave Barry Bonds and all involved with steroids a hard time and Manny is not getting a free pass with me just because he is a Dodger. I also hate that only after players get caught using steroids is when they apologize and they say how sorry they are. Are they truly sorry or sorry that they got caught? I am disgusted with all the players that have cheated this great game but especially with those that already had great abilities.

Is a sad day in baseball but like Vin Scully said today in his broacast “no one man stops baseball.”

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13 Comments

YOU GO GIRL!!! I do not understand players getting a free pass on using steroids or other banned drugs. It certainly sends the wrong message to our young people and it is grossly unfair to those players who are playing clean.

I’m sure he’s just sorry he got caught. I obviously can’t speak for Manny or predict what he’s thinking, but he wouldn’t have deliberately used steroids unless he was desperate or unless he had no respect for the game, the fans or his team mates. If he took the substance without knowing, I have a lot more sympathy for him, although we will probably never know the circumstances. All I know is that if it wasn’t deliberate, it sure was naiive. Ashhttp://ashleymarshall.mlblogs.com

I’m sure he’s sorry he got caught. And I’m sure he’s sorry he embarrassed his team and himself AND lost a chunk of his salary. I doubt he’s sorry he used PEDs. That said, he’ll serve his punishment and come back and play, and, as Torre said, he’s part of the family.

julia,
You are a teacher. How do you explain it to kids if they ask you?
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Ash,
Yes, if it was not deliberate, it sure was so naiive
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Jane,
I hope he is sorry that he embarrassed the team, the fans and baseball.
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Cali,
I just can’t believe that players are still cheating and not learning from other players that have got caught cheeting.

Just as soon as I finish a job at work which is taking too long to run I am heading to the Dodger Booster Club meeting. We’ll talk about the upcoming annual Blood Drive but I also wonder about the annual player’s awards. OF the three, one is a “hiatus” and the other one was sent to the minors. Should be an interesting meeting.

It’s hard to tell if players are just sorry that they got caught. I mean… why would players say that they were sorry if they weren’t getting caught? I’m glad that you’re standing by your beliefs. It’s unfortunate that people don’t see the real issue at hand.
Emilyhttp://deconstructingthoughts.mlblogs.com/

I agree completely! And the only way to get rid of the roids or fight it is to get rid of those guys completely! Why is arod still playing? He should be banned forever. Same with Manny and Bonds. It’s wrong. What’s the use of testing at all if they just get to come back and play? Maybe I’m to harsh but that’s just my opinion. Stephaniehttp://steponme.mlblogs.com

Great entry! I agree. If a player on the Padres got caught like that, I would definitely say it’s wrong, even if it’s hard. Manny certianly has meant a lot to the Dodgers, but he shouldn’t get away with this.http://kaybee.mlblogs.com

Emily,
Yes, is unfortunately that some fans don’t see the real issue on hand. I was telling someone at the sked the president what they were going to do with the award plaques that are being handed out May 22th. One of them is for Manny. I guess they will talk among the board members about it. One did not know that Manny is allowed to work out with the Dodgers but must be out of uniform when the stadium gates open for games.
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Stephanie,
I agree with the suspension of 50 games but not banned. I believe in giving people a second chance but they should be locked out of the Hall of Fame.
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Kaybee,
It makes you think who else is cheating. I wish the list gets released.

I agree 100% with you. And as more of the details regarding the Manny situation come to light, the more disgusted I am. I cannot wait for a better explanation from Manny if one is forthcoming.
Go Dodgers!!!

I can tell you as someone who has seen the effects close hand of steroids in football, it is a curse you do not wish on any player.
The thought of it can ruin their past accolades and brand them as a “cheater”, even without solid proof.
It can tear apart not only their lives, but a clubhouse.
And worst of all, it can divide a fan base into the “believers” and the “Say It Ain’t So Joe?” crowd.
But the worst thing is if it gets into your own mind where you question every great homer, pitching outing and even batting average of your own team and others.
It can ruin baseball for you if you do not subject yourself to the reality that people want to win at all costs sometimes.
You can either greet them with boos or cheers when they return, but you can never look at them the same after an allegation or a positive test.

Digs,
Hopefully by the time the Dodgers get to Florida, Manny will meet with his teammates and apologize to them and offer further explanations.
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Ray,
For me is going to be hard to believe like before. I was in the “Say It Ain’t So Joe?” crowd. Now I want to stop my mind from wondering sometimes with thoughts like “is this player on steriods?” “is this player not hitting any homeruns because he stopped taking sterioids?”. It can be maddening. Still, I love the game!

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